The Denver City Council on Monday rejected a proposal to call for a “cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war, with some in the majority calling it a disservice to the city’s Jewish population and a divisive proclamation.

The council rejected the proposal, with eight voting no and four supporting it.

Some councilmembers who voted no said they were confused by the need for such a proclamation.

“This proclamation will not get us to where folks think it will,” said District 9 Councilmember Darrell Watson.

District 2 Councilmember Kevin Flynn, who also voted no, said a proclamation won’t affect the ongoing efforts toward a cease-fire in the Middle East.

The war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants crossed Israel’s southern border, killed roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. The Palestinian death toll from the war has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

District 4 Councilmember Diana Romero-Campbell said the proclamation would be a disservice to the Jewish population in the city.

The council meeting was packed, drawing supporters and critics of the resolution.

“What your proclamation calls for is not for peace,” Elliot Fladen, a local resident, said, adding it has “shades” of antisemitism.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Elaga insisted the resolution’s language is “simple” and “not antisemitic.”

In response to the councilmembers’ stated reasons for rejecting the proposal, pro-Palestinian supporters yelled, “Vote her out,” “You support genocide” and “Shame.” 

The jeers prompted the council to recess the meeting and leave. They remotely rejoined 30 minutes later to cast their votes.

District 7 Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said what happened in the council chambers — before she had the chance to speak — was one reason that led her to a no vote.

District 6 Councilmember Paul Kashmann actually indicated support for the proclamation before the council recessed, but he, too, ended up voting no.

Had it passed, Denver would have joined other cities, such as Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Minneapolis, in calling for a cease-fire.

“All life is worth protecting and the City of Denver calls on elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence,” read the proclamation, which also said it “condemns antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, Islamophobic, racist, and xenophobic attacks in our city and across the nation.”

At-large Councilmember Sarah Parady, who sponsored the proclamation along with District 8 Councilmember Shontel Lewis, said the call for a cease-fire “stands up to international law.”

“This is a room filled with grief,” Parady said. “I am here today to say the killing in Gaza must stop.”

District 2 Councilmember Amanda Sawyer said she wished the proclamation said, “We see you” and “the Denver population is hurting” for Israelis and Palestinians.

“This is dividing our community,” she said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.